August 26, 2024 proclaimed “Women’s Equality Day,” encouraging equity, access, and opportunity of women’s work for democracy
 

On August 13, the Board of Larimer County Commissioners celebrated the Proclamation of Right to Vote and Equality Day, recognized later this month. 
 

Discussing the proclamation, commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally reflected, “the more I learn, the more I realize what a tremendous endeavor, battle and fight it has been to earn the right  to vote in this country. And the work continues. It takes work, diligence and passion. There is a lot to be proud of and we continue to carry the torch.”
 

The proclamation was introduced at the encouragement of the League of Women Voters of Larimer County, a local organization which describes itself as “a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy.” The Commissioners each expressed gratitude for the representatives who were present for the proclamation and recognized the work that is still taking place so that all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other marginalized identities, can achieve equality.  

“It’s getting better and we’re not quite there yet,” observed commissioner Kristin Stephens. “I really appreciate the work you do to get people registered to vote, to elevate these issues so people understand the existing inequalities.”

Commissioner John Kefalas echoed these sentiments, saying, “I offer much gratitude for your work. I do applaud your efforts to engage the community on a variety of issues --- affordable housing, certainly the voter registration is very important. This proclamation is very important. I look forward to when at least 50% of the legislative body is made up of women.”

The text of the proclamation is below:

Proclamation for Women’s Right to Vote and Equality Day

August 26, 2024

WHEREAS, on August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U. S, Constitution gave most women the right to vote; and 

WHEREAS, in 1893 Colorado had already secured the right to vote for women; and

WHEREAS, on this 104th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the 131st anniversary of the right of women to vote in Colorado, we celebrate the progress that has been made towards guaranteeing the right to participate in our democracy regardless of gender; and 

WHEREAS, in 2022 nationally 84.4 percent of women were registered to vote compared to 77 percent of men, and 82.2 million women voted during the 2020 presidential election compared to 72. 5 million men; and 

WHEREAS, Colorado is ranked 3rd in the nation for percentage of legislators that are women, averaging 43.4% percent since 2014; and 

WHEREAS, only 26 statewide officers elected in Colorado have been women, and 12 of the 26 served only as Superintendent of Public Instruction until 1950; and 

WHEREAS, only 33% of current County Commissioners are women out of 220 who hold office; and 

WHEREAS, we recognize the work that still needs to be done to overcome the gender inequality that affects women’s representation in elected office and leadership across both public and private sectors; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that Colorado women earned 87 cents for every dollar a man earned in 2022; and 

WHEREAS, Larimer County women continue to face disproportionate challenges to economic prospects, affordable and accessible health care, and safety; and 

WHEREAS, Larimer County women still struggle to achieve economic security for themselves and their families due to lack of affordable and accessible childcare and unequal pay; and 

WHEREAS, today we recognize the accomplishments that so many women fought so hard to achieve, and rededicate ourselves to tackling the challenges that remain and expanding opportunity and representation for women and girls in Larimer County and Colorado; and 

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners for Larimer County, do hereby proclaim the 26th of August as “Women’s Equality Day” encouraging equity, access, and opportunity of women’s work for democracy.  

Dated this 13th day of August, 2024.